Do You Care What I Wear?

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The first time I “dressed up”

It was the homecoming dance in my freshman year of high school. There, I learned that dressing nicely would beget compliments; a simple conclusion, that would shape my purchases going forward.

Before that dance, I was a t-shirt, hoodie, and jeans guy. Afterwards, almost overnight, I embraced layers and logos. I lobbied my parents to pay for Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, Gap, and anything that my high school brain felt was “cool.” The bills stacked up… for them.

Increasingly, I loved bold colors and designs – embracing pinks and purples despite social stigmas. The compliments flowed from nearly everyone around me. Many of the opposite sex encouraged me, and noted my changed wardrobe.

The “dapper” dresser

It’s now about 12 years from that fateful moment. As I aged, my tastes changed and I discovered H&M, Express, and Macy’s. And yet, for years, I was on this prescribed rat race to look better, fresher, and wealthier.

The latter was a powerful realization over the years. Quite simply, our culture aligns clothing style and brand with power, money, and achievement – regardless of reality. The better I dressed, the more others noticed.

Imagine being in a bar or club and seeing someone in a ragged t-shirt, overgrown beard, and faint body odor smell. You’d assume that individual is from a low-income level. Trim the scruff, polish the shoes, and button up that shirt, and that same person becomes a successful businessman.

Minimizing my closet and loving it

Over the last two years, my clothing purchases have slowed. And nowadays, I don’t have a clothing budget. I rarely buy anything. I’d rather put my hard earned money in future savings and investments.

Since my frugal journey started, I’ve sold clothes, donated, and taken great care of what I currently have. The clothing that I currently have is important to me; not because I’m worried about it getting damaged, but because I don’t need anything more. My wardrobe is “complete.”

Generally, my day-to-day wardrobe consists of casual-formal clothing that’s appropriate for a work environment. The important part is that it needs to be flexible and comfortable, as I run in the clothes from school to work and back. My wardrobe does just that.

A wardrobe worth repeating

Through laziness and busyness, I was pushed to simplify my workday wardrobe. In these colder winter months, I’ve opted for more sweaters and colored jean/slacks. Still, I tried to vary what I was wearing… until recently.

These days I’m opting for a more efficient wardrobe: grabbing yesterday’s clothing. It’s not like I do this every day, but I’ve grown more accepting of uniformity in my outfits. The creative, “dapper” dressing is more frequently reserved for weekends.

After reading this article, some might be inclined to suggest that I’ve let myself go. Maybe, but I’m learning something in the process. As I’ve shifted to this repetitive wardrobe, I expected people to notice, complain, and/or question my decision. Last week I wore the same pants 4 days in a row and a sweater 3 days during the week. Nobody noticed (or mentioned it). Nobody!

Expanding the experiment to one year

There’s a sexist double-standard about clothing: men can wear nearly anything and women are carefully criticized. If a woman were to wear the same group of clothes or article repeatedly, they’d be questioned. Largely, men are overlooked and free to wear abominable outfits.

One world where women are constantly criticized is television. The on-air anchors and talent can be harangued for wearing the wrong designer, looking unfashionable, etc. Meanwhile, men are free to wear whatever, again and again and again – without critique.

Karl Stefanovic did just that. This broadcaster from Australia decided he would wear the same suit every day for a year in solidarity with his fellow female co-host. Nobody noticed.

Benefits of embracing a minimal, repetitive wardrobe

My high school and college days were fraught with an insecurity that prompted me to spend. I was desperate to fit in enough, and stand out with my wardrobe. I wanted people to notice me; to be unique enough, but not alone. My wallet suffered over the last 12 years.

Now, as I’ve slowed my purchases and become more minimalistic, I’ve learned some important takeaways.

1. Buy what you love, sparingly

Fundamentally, I’m buying less than ever. I don’t peruse catalogs, storefronts, or websites for the “latest” trends, designs, and brands. By avoiding these outlets that subtly market their latest styles, I don’t have the same urge to buy.

When I do find something, another item must be ready to depart. I’m no longer interested in amassing clothing. Everything must be functional, practical, affordable, and regularly worn. Otherwise, it’s just a waste of space.

I’m not advocating for people to embrace naturism or 1984-like uniformity. Buy what you love, but do it minimally. When you do decide to pull the trigger, make sure it’s something that will stand the test of time (from trend and wear).

2. Sexism, classism, and other cultural norms

I was chatting with a graduate student about his job. He mentioned that he has to wear a suit and tie once a week for business meetings. If I wore a suit and tie to my work, I’d be laughed out of the homeless shelter and/or never receive clients. Dress reflects a microcosm of culture, and portrays an intention. This aspect isn’t — by itself — a bad thing.

Although, clothing choices often become a point of criticism. What we wear can sometimes contribute and perpetuate a classist and sexist society that expects men and women to look certain ways.

Let’s buck these cultural norms that become expectations, prejudicial boxes, and prevent acceptance. Diversity should be embraced.

3. The efficiency chosen by experts

This last week I felt a freeing sensation that comes with efficiency. We are regularly flooded with choices throughout our day. What should I pack for lunch? Should I cut my toe nails? Which shirt and pants should I wear? Heck, look at the toothpaste and shampoo aisles! Try to find your one favorite.

The fewer extraneous choices made, the more we can focus on what’s important. I felt that by wearing the same thing. Just look at two terrific examples: Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg.

Steve Jobs would constantly wear a “uniform” of sorts. He wore a black turtleneck, blue jeans, and some sort of tennis shoe. He drank SmartWater on stage — nearly every time. His life worked through routines; yet, it allowed for creativity where it mattered.

Mark Zuckerberg isn’t as repetitive as Jobs was, but he does tend to embrace a more casual style of t-shirts and hoodies. As one of the richest people in the world, he can do whatever he wants. He can set his own wardrobe expectations.

With both men, they minimize the time and cost of more fanciful clothing. It’s clear that focusing on what’s comfortable made them more capable. Additionally, that they could save time every morning throwing on what they know.

Haha! Great questions. Being sweaty and smelly is a common problem, isn’t it? My two cents might not apply, but I’m doing most of this “running around” in the dead of winter. It’s been regularly below zero fahrenheit here in Iowa. Ugh! Sweating isn’t a major concern. But on the warmer days, I perspire freely. Then, I try to stop in the bathroom first, wash my face, and if need be, apply more deodorant. This might not work for you, but I’m all about efficiency. 🙂

My waredrobe has definitely come down in size over the years. Knowing I can reach into my closet and whatever I pull out I’ll like and will “work” is pretty empowering. As was realizing that no one remembered what I wore on Monday. Like Julia, I often wear a pair of jeans over and over again through the week and sometimes repeat tops too (sweaters are on repeat a lot).

Simplifying my clothes also went hand in hand with wearing my hair naturally and wearing less makeup. I don’t think I was letting myself go. I think I was embracing me and getting more comfortable in my own skin.

I agree wholeheartedly.not wearing make-up is not letting yourself go.. I have found saying no to make up one of the most liberating things I have done. It has saved half an hour a day putting it on and taking it off. Money. And, I never worry about not being ready to “face the world” it’s the opposite, I am always ready to just get out and enjoy the day

Me too me too! I stopped wearing makeup and blow-drying, gelling, curling, etc. . . . my hair back in my college days. The few times I put on mascara for something fancy now, I don’t even really feel like me 🙂

I’m female, work in a corporate environment in a very conservative field, and don’t care or know about fashion. But, I spent Saturday watching style videos and reading fashion blogs, trying to figure out how to up my game b/c I know it matters. I settled on a new haircut, more attention to makeup (as in, wearing some), elegant but minimalist jewelry, and silk scarves. I also carry a nice briefcase (in black — just one — of the highest quality — now five years old and going strong).

I don’t think anyone at work notices I wear the same three pairs of black pants, two black dresses, and two pairs of shoes b/c I add in a variety of cardigans and jackets.

However, I can do better — see above.

For men, I doubt I would notice if you wore the same thing if it was clean and you were well-groomed. What I notice more is if a suit-wearing man swaps his jacket for a sweater. That catches my eye.

I like that working in a doctor’s office requires I wear scrubs. Used to be they wanted everyone to wear the same color in certain days, but everyone one had on different shades of that color and some forgot what color was on what day, so we were never in sync. Not everyone looked good in all colors and many didn’t like looking like a walking tomato. Now it’s whatever color you want so I keep it simple with black slacks and different tops. After work hours I don’t care what others think of what I wear… But you won’t catch me wearing pajamas to the grocery store either! Simple classic lines – no grunge for me. Like others I don’t want to waste my brain power worrying about what to wear. Just keeping life simple.

I remember the days when I had my parents begrudgingly take me to A&F to buy some duds so I could be cooler (previously I sported the hottest tweety bird shirts with overalls, or anything from Limited Too). And like yourself, I later went through a phase where I needed to stand out, only instead of the bright colors I went in the opposite direction, joined the dark side and gothed out for a while. Then I upped my game when I got my first big kid job and went more professional with Express, etc. So I’ve been a clothes hound to say the least! It was only a few years ago I realized how much money I’d wasted on this crap and began donating a lot of my clothes. Even as someone who is very creative and loves styling outfits to this day, I would get frustrated in the mornings with all my choices. I like Bette’s idea above about messing with hair and makeup instead of acquiring new clothes.

Interesting point about Karl Stefanovic and the double-standard. My boyfriend has 3 t-shirts, a couple pairs of jeans, 2 pairs of shoes, and a work uniform. I don’t ever look down on him for how often he wears the same stuff, but instead I find myself jealous that he keeps it that simple. While I’ve certainly removed a ton of clothes from my wardrobe I still have far more than him. Unfortunately I have a deep love for vintage clothing and enjoy the thrill of the hunt. I’m in a work in progress I guess.

Great article! I am trying to minimize my wardrobe choices and get to where I’m comfortable and still not noticeably out of style. My one BIG hurdle is what to do with older, lovely, handknit European sweaters that I no longer wear (collected over the past 2+ decades, a couple inherited). They take up a lot of space in my wardrobe, but I find I’m hardly wearing them anymore. I hate the thought of getting rid of them because of their sentimental value and because they’re irreplaceable. Any suggestions?

Really appreciate your comment and question. I don’t have a simple answer for you, as it seems that the sentimental nature of these sweaters keeps you attached to them. One thing that has worked for me — when I care too much too give something I don’t regularly use — is to donate the item to someone I know is in need. By sharing and providing these incredible sweaters with someone in need, you can imagine them staying warm in winter. Everybody deserves that! 🙂

I love this post! I have been trying to dress well for years too, but this year I put a limit on my spending of $500 for the whole year. I don’t know if I’ll make it, but if I don’t I’ll still be doing much better than years past.

My clothing budget has been pretty much non existent for the last few years. I do “clothing swaps” with my friends to get new pieces in my wardrobe. Otherwise, I rely on gifts. Last year before FinCon I realized I actually needed to do at least A LITTLE shopping because I had no professional attire, haha.

Perfect timing for me! I’m in the middle of clearing out a bunch of old stuff, and my wardrobe is on the list for this week. As a woman, I feel the pressures of having a diversified wardrobe both for work and socially. While the need to always be in something different has subsided since my college days, it’s still prevalent. I’m trying to solve the issue first and foremost by recognizing that I’m the one that cares the most — most people don’t pay that much attention. And secondly, I want to craft a wardrobe that can create multiple looks with mixing and matching for when I do want to switch things up, appropriate for different times.

As a benefit, this could possibly mean that it will be harder to ‘out of style.’ With so many staples and not chasing micro-trends, just depending on how one wears a wardrobe can make all the different style-wise.

One of the few pros of my current job is that I have to wear a uniform. It makes getting ready for work each day super easy and completely eliminates my ability to justify spending more money on clothes I don’t need.

I went to a private school for three years as a child that required a uniform, and we all complained about it. Now, as an adult, I don’t know a single adult who wears a uniform and complains! I guess it’s like taking naps, you just don’t kow a good thing when you see it as a kid.

Hello fellow Iowan! I wear the same 5 shirts and rotate 2 pants during the work week, and have 3 hoodie and 2 t-shirts for weekends, and I often wear the same 1 hoodie for an entire weekend. I’ve been surprised, as a woman, that nobody really cares what I wear anymore! Great post!!

Thank you for acknowledging the gender divide on this issue. I’m always reminded of how women running for political office are publicly scrutinized for their clothing choices (both style and cost…heaven forbid they cost too little OR too much), while their male counterparts rarely have to answer for any choice of attire. Which then leads me to question how it is that women ended up in this position when in most other species (and early human history) men are/were the more colorful/decorated gender? That’s a separate question entirely I guess! Thank you for sharing your story.

I’m not sure if I agree with this approach–repeating the same clothes 4 times in a row, wearing the same stuff after running for work and just putting on more deo etc. There is a difference between minimalism and maintaining hygiene! Also, minimalism doesn’t have to be boring like Steve Jobs fashion (non)sense. Of course each person has their own choice but you seem to be making suggestions in general that I disagree with.
Also, I don’t get your point about “other people not noticing”. Do you wear clothes for other people only? What about yourself? If other people noticed you would *not* be a minimalist in clothing? Or it would embarrass you?
I have been into minimalist fashion since the beginning. I never went to A&F or wore branded clothes. In fact I doubt if I have ever owned anything branded. It has always been Macy’s, Express and since I’m a woman I’m a fan of Ann Taylor and White and Black. I also love shopping at boutiques, independent stores and since I travel a lot, I love picking stuff up abroad. I’m frugal but I’m also particular about my appearance. It is not just about impressing others though I am well aware how much what you wear affects how people treat you–esp. if you’re a woman.
For me clothes are yet another way to express creativity. But mostly I just enjoy dressing well because it makes me feel good from within. I love being clean, fresh, polished and pretty. Elegance and beauty matter to me for their own sake.
But I do not follow your approach.
— I have exercise clothes, party clothes, work clothes and casual clothes–different ones for each category.
–In each category I have a few basic pieces and I build my outfits around them by varying the combinations so they don’t look the “same”. I also love jewelry and have a fine collection.
But my wardrobe is still a capsule wardrobe.
–I have a rule–own only what you can fit into 2 suit cases–including everything from underclothes to socks to jackets. But I have enough variety that ensures I do not have to wear my exercise clothes for work.
— I *never* repeat the same piece without washing it first even if it is technically clean because it absorbs sweat and dust anyway and it is unhygienic to repeat clothes, especially several days in a row. The only exception is cashmere sweaters and stuff that is worn occasionally and needs to be dry cleaned.
–I DO repeat outfits but NOT in the same week ever.
–I know what color palette suits me and my clothes all fall into color blocks. They all gel with each other and my skin tone.
–I own a lot of bold plain colored pieces. I add the details and decoration through jewelry and accessories.
–My prints all go well with all my plain colored pieces so I can wear them with different colors, creating different outfits.
— I don’t *care* if people notice–I don’t dress for them. Maybe I don’t look “rich” or whatever. Who cares?
–Another thing that keeps my wardrobe fresh is that I rotate it seasonally and by year.
–I add new pieces and donate some which keeps my total count constant and *small*
–I have some evergreen investment pieces–trench coat, boots etc. that I wear year after year. This is where I splurge.

This might sound complicated but it is not. My wardrobe is pretty simple, yet I have an outfit for every occasion and activity. If I were a man it would be simpler still, of course. There would be no jewelry, skirts and dresses and scarves for example. But I would have a nice collection of ties and belts and use a similar philosophy in varying and combining jeans, pants, shirts and jackets.

It is possible to by stylish, creative, interesting, minimalist and economical all at the same time. And clean too!

You have some sound recommendations, although my common sense tells me that statements that include the words “always” or “never” are up to challenge. Think twice about your hard and fast rules. There are many people on this planet who wear the same clothes day after day without washing, because that’s all they have to wear. Besides, a good “airing out” can do wonders for a garment’s freshness! 😉

“:— I *never* repeat the same piece without washing it first even if it is technically clean because it absorbs sweat and dust anyway and it is unhygienic to repeat clothes, especially several days in a row. ”

I’m glad you brought this up because I think a lot of people are concerned about hygiene when re- wearing a garment.
Whenever repeating someone should consider a few things. *Sweating*cooking*eating*duration of wear*pet hair= scent, stains, or debris
(Dust should not be an issue over the course of a few days unless you work or live in an environment that is particularly dusty, such as a wood shop or a desert.)
If you didn’t do much sweating, cooking or eating(spilling), wear it very for for long, or have pet hair attach itself to you, then chances are that garment is clean enough to wear again.
*This is also environmentally friendly b/c it cuts back on laundry i.e water, electricity, and will power. ; )

As I get older i have less need to spend on clothes. In my twenties what I wore and what others thought about my appearance was really important to me. Now what’s important are the places I visit and my friends and family. I used to buy expensive cosmetics because all the magazines told me I should. Not anymore. My beauty routine is oh so simple and suprise suprise I haven’t turned into a wrinkled heap for using the cheap stuff. I refuse to be influenced by advertising and I am so happy.

After losing quite a bit of weight, I took a similar approach when I needed to restock my closet because nothing fit anymore. I found I can get by with one pair each of grey, black and khaki pants, and the five dress shirts I now own are so similar enough that nobody notices if they get worn twice in a week…or are too polite to say anything.

Kudos to being able to run in them…here in Phoenix I couldn’t get away with it.

Several years ago I carefully cultivated my wardrobe so that it contains what I need and like to wear. Since I spend most of my time at work, and am a manager, it’s mainly office casual with a few more polished pieces for meetings and presentations. I can can wear most of it year round and any day for most occasions. I do have one or two fancy pieces for weddings or special events but they are classic styles that will last years. I stick to a limited color scheme that I know works for me. My hair is a pixie style that looks good with minimal styling. My makeup is simple too, no trendy colors, just classics that leave me looking polished in a few minutes. It took some effort to get to this point but it was worth it. Shopping is no longer a pastime for me, just an occasional necessity to replace what has worn beyond repair and the products that have been used up.